1927 - 2022
OBITUARY
John “Jack” Garrett, 95, passed on May 29, 2022. He was the son of John and Lillian Gallagher and John Garrett. His sister Kay predeceased him at the age of 52. He was born in Flushing, Queens and attended Flushing High School.
Jack had a 27 year career with the Fire Department of New York, following in his father’s footsteps, and retired as a battalion chief. As a great storyteller with a unique sense of humor, many an audience heard of the adventures of his days as one of New York’s bravest. You just needed to mention a cross street in Manhattan and Jack had a story about a past fire or neighborhood personality related to the fire department in the area.
In 1956 Jack married Angela McGeady. A story of their meeting and marriage was recently featured in Newsday after celebrating their 65th anniversary together with their family. They moved to New Hyde Park in 1963, living there for 55 years where they raised their five children Mary, Kathy, Michael, John and Stephen. They moved to Harborside in Port Washington in January 2020.
People often referred to Jack as “the real deal” or “a standup guy”. He loved football, watching from sunup to sundown, an eternally hopeful and eternally disappointed Jets fan. He was thrilled to watch his boys play in high school and college and attended as many games as he possibly could along with Angela. He was an avid golfer in his day enjoying the game and the camaraderie. His lawn was meticulous and he enjoyed tending his roses. He was a hard worker and instilled that work ethic in his children, encouraging them through his example to always try their hardest, to be good at whatever they chose to do.
When it came to family, Jack was the role model of dedication and loyalty. He was instrumental in the support of his mother, sister, aunt and niece in their challenges through various illnesses and care-giving.
He and Angela were ahead of their time as role models for balanced partners raising a family. Family chores were equally distributed between boys and girls which set the tone throughout the household. Jack and Angela were brave (crazy?) enough to take all 5 kids, the youngest only 4 years old, across the country in 5 weeks. They drove in a station wagon with a pop up camper dragging behind. Jack and Angela traveled extensively following their retirements - to Australia, New Zealand, Europe and Hawaii. They also enjoyed many a-cruise including one with the extended family to celebrate their 50th anniversary.
Jack left a mark. He made an impression. On our lives and the many people he met throughout his life. He will be sorely missed. We will cherish his memory always.
Donations may be made to the FDNY Foundation https://www.fdnyfoundation.org/. When making a donation you can choose from an existing fund or select "other" and say" In Memory of John A Garrett"
VISITATION
Friday, June 3
2:00 - 4:30 PM & 7:00 - 9:30 PM
New Hyde Park Funeral Home
506 Lakeville Road, New Hyde Park, NY
MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL
Saturday, June 4
9:30 AM
Holy Spirit R.C. Church
500 Jericho Turnpike, New Hyde Park, NY
INTERMENT
Mount Saint Mary Cemetery
172-00 Booth Memorial Avenue, Flushing, NY
DONATIONS
When making a donation, please choose from an existing fund or select “other” and say “In Memory of John A Garrett”.